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ದೇವರ ಕಾಡು | Devara Kaadu
B•Cinematic: Must-Watch Films Before You Die
Speakers
Kannada with English Subtitles | 113 Minutes | 1993
After the death of the father, a family is forced to move from their home in the forest to the city, where they barely scrape by.
This month’s film featured in our informal film club is Devara Kaadu (1993)
“Devara Kaadu” is a poignant Indian film that weaves together themes of environmental conservation, family bonds, and the struggle for survival. Directed by Pattabhirama Reddy, this 1993 drama tells the story of Deva, a young man whose life journey takes him from the forests of his childhood to the harsh realities of urban life, and back again to his roots.
The narrative begins with tragedy, as Deva and his mother are forced to leave their forest home after his father’s death. In the city, they face the challenges of poverty head-on. While his mother works as a domestic helper, young Deva takes on the role of a rag-picker, scraping together what he can to support their meager existence. As he grows older, Deva advances to pulling a rickshaw, a symbol of his determination to improve their circumstances.
However, the city’s toll on his mother’s health becomes evident. Her dying wish to return to their native place sets in motion a bittersweet journey. Though she doesn’t survive to see their homeland, Deva ensures her final resting place is beside his father’s grave.
It’s at this pivotal moment that Deva’s true life’s work begins. Honouring his parents’ wishes and memory, he embarks on a remarkable four-decade mission to reforest the barren land they once called home. Through his tireless efforts, Deva transforms the landscape, creating a lush forest where once there was only abandoned earth.
“Devara Kaadu” is not just a tale of personal loss and perseverance; it’s a powerful allegory for mankind’s relationship with nature. The film showcases how one individual’s dedication can lead to monumental change, breathing life back into forgotten lands and communities.
Recognized for its environmental message, “Devara Kaadu” was awarded the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation in 1993, cementing its place as a significant work in Indian cinema.
Credits:
Director: Pattabhirama Reddy
Associate Director: Konark Reddy
Story and Screenplay: Pattabhirama Reddy
Dialogue: Su Ramakantha, C Chandrashekar
Music: Konark Reddy
Cinematography: Navroze Contractor
Editor: Suresh Urs
Art Direction: G Murthy
Costume Design: G Murthy
Makeup: Sharavanan
Sound: V Aravindan, P K Suresh (Dialogues), K S Krishnamurthy (Re-Recording)
Starring:
Kirthana Kumar, K T Abraham, Kantharaj, Prabhu, Anand, T S Nagabharana, Katte Ramachandra, Suman Ramesh, C Chandrashekar, A R Chandrashekar, Usha Bhandari, Dakshinachar, Abbas Abbalagere, Kantesh, C V Rudrappa, Uma Rudrappa, Indu, Raja Balakrishna, Joseph Katukaran, Chandra, Mutthuraj
Produced by: Pattabhirama Reddy Productions
Presented by: The Concerned for Working Children (Bangalore)
Production Manager: Kotappa
About B•Cinematic
Calling all cinephiles! BIC is thrilled to present B•Cinematic, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the most essential, impactful, and artistically significant cinematic works from across the state and the country.
At B•Cinematic, our mission is to curate and share those remarkable films that is a must-watch (or re-watch) experience for every passionate cinema lover. From groundbreaking classics to under-appreciated gems, our carefully curated selection will take you on an unparalleled (pun not intended) cinematic journey through the ages.
Through curated screenings, insightful discussions, and engaging analyses from distinguished cinematic voices, we aim to not only watch these films together but to truly appreciate their craftsmanship, cultural impact, and intellectual depth. Our vibrant community of film aficionados will collectively rediscover Indian cinema’s most stunning and enduring masterpieces.
So join us on this quest to experience the films that have defined and redefined the art form. Don’t miss out on crossing these essential works off your bucket list. Because to truly live, you must first watch the films that make life worth living.
Speakers
Konarak Reddy
Nandana Reddy
Nandana is one of the founders of the Concerned for Working Children (CWC) and is now the Director Development, while heading the consultancy wing Dhruva. She was the Chairperson of the International Working Group on Child Labour (IWGCL). She has inputted extensively into international and national policies, drafted child related legislation and has set up structures and mechanisms in the field for making children’s rights a reality. She has many years of training experience and has designed and conducted training programmes on child labour, children’s participation, protagonism and governance in several countries. She has been a consultant for international NGOs, organisations and Multinational Corporations. She is one of the founding members of the AIT-NGDO CHAKRA Consortium.
Nandana began her work as a trade unionist in the late 1970s and is founder member of the PUCL or Peoples Union of Civil Liberties set up in India post ‘Emergency’ to protect Human Rights and Civil Liberties in India and monitor and redress violations thereof. She was instrumental in setting up a Task Force Chaired by Dr. L.M. Shingvi under the auspices of the India International Centre – New Delhi to critique the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act – 1986. Along with children and other colleagues, she drafted the Child Labour (Employment, regulation, training and development) Bill that was presented to the Governments of Karnataka and India and later adopted with changes as the Government Bill
on Child Labour.
Kirtana Kumar
Kirtana Kumar is an actor, director and filmmaker. She trained with The Asian-American Theatre Project at The Los Angeles Theatre Centre and has a Master’s Degree in European Classics and American Literature. She runs Little Jasmine Theatre Project, Theatre Lab (Youth) and Infinite Souls Farm & Artists Retreat. She recently wrote a book of short stories called Bangalore Blues.
